Vale Veteran Godfrey Giles MMM JCD
- Oct 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 9
29/10/1950 - 16/10/2025
"Not for Ourselves , But for Others"
The official SAMVO obituary for Veteran LtCol (Ret) Godfrey Giles MMM JCD, is published on behalf of International Chairman SAMVO, Veteran Tony Macquet MMM.
Lest we forget …
Veteran Belinda Van Fleet Director Communications Operations.
Author : Heidi Fourie
@everyone
The passing of LtCol (Ret) Godfrey Giles, MMM, JCD (74), a dedicated champion for the Military Veterans cause, vice Chairman of SAMVOZA and respected leader in our global Veterans Organisation, has left a void that will be forever honoured and never forgotten.
Godfrey passed away peacefully in the early hours of Thursday 16 October 2025, in Johannesburg, surrounded by his family.
His passion for helping and supporting Military Veterans stemmed from his selfless commitment to a lifetime of service, guided by the SA Legion creed – “Not for Ourselves, but for Others”- demonstrating the values and principles of this belief through all his actions – his primary purpose, that of being the voice for those who had little or none.
Godfrey joined the South African Army (Infantry) in 1968 and progressed through what was nothing short of an exemplary 46-year military career, retiring from service as a senior Lieutenant Colonel (LtCol) in 2014.
His tours of duty were served at 4SAI; 2 SAI; SA Irish Regiment; Johannesburg South Commando, Wits Command and Gately Commando, later commanding the Johannesburg South Regiment.
He was also a member of the Hunter Group, of which many members later joined 2 Reconnaissance Commando.
Over his career, he served in multiple conflicts, specifically Operation Savannah in 1975 and Operation Modular and Hooper in the 1980’s – operations which shaped many of our own service careers.
Service medals awarded to Godfrey include:
Military Merit Medal (‘for service of a high order’);
ProPatria Medal with Cunene Clasp (Ops Savannah);
Southern Africa Medal (SAM);
John Chard Decoration (JCD) for long service in the Citizen Force (Reserves);
General Service Medal (GSM).
In pursuing his purpose to represent those Veterans with “little or no voice”, Godfrey extended his reach and influence by actively taking on prominent portfolios which afforded him opportunity to engage with key politicians, global veteran organisation leaders, media and even royalty:
Ministerially appointed as Councillor on the Reserve Force Council;
Commissioner on the Defence Review 2012-2015;
Vice Chairman SAMVOZA
Past Chairman of CMVO;
Past President of the SA Legion of Military veterans;
SAMVOZA (Africa)Lifelong Honorary Vice President of the World Veterans Federation;
Served on the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Task team to establish the Military Veterans Act.
Godfrey served as Vice Chairman of SAMVOZA from 2020 and in that time, his influence and leadership attracted strong growth in the sector and set a reputable standard for SAMVO as an organisation. He inspired everyone he met and executed his role with absolute humility and deep integrity.
When first joining SAMVO in May 2021, Godfrey stated his affiliation hope as “There are many black veterans that do not have a home, they served with us and need to be treated as equals”. This in itself is testament to the fierce commitment he had for all those who served who deserved to be heard and acknowledged without judgment.
The tangible results of Godfrey’s contribution to SAMVO and other veteran organisations remain evident and will continue to serve our members as a perpetual legacy.
Rest easy great warrior! Till we meet again.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
Lest We Forget
Statement from the Giles Family:
Memorial and Celebration of Life for Lt. Col (Ret) Godfrey John Giles
We are deeply grateful to the many individuals, organisations and associations who have already begun to consider ways to honour our beloved Godfrey. Your love and respect for him is a great comfort to us. We warmly welcome these initiatives and kindly request that invitations be extended to our family, where possible, so that we may join you in paying tribute.
Godfrey held the month of Remembrance close to his heart, and it remains deeply meaningful to our family as we honour all who have served and those who have fallen. We understand that many remembrance events are planned for the remainder of this year, and we acknowledge with gratitude all who wish to include Godfrey in these commemorations.
Because Godfrey touched the lives of so many people across the world, we are planning a public Celebration of Life to be held on Sunday, 8 February 2026, with Johannesburg as the anticipated location. We have provisionally chosen this date to allow enough time to organise a gathering that is worthy of his legacy and to ensure that anyone, from near or far, who wishes to participate is able to make arrangements to attend.
To help us begin planning appropriately, we kindly ask anyone—organisations, associations, communities or members of the public—who would like to attend or be involved to please contact us. This will help us select an appropriate venue and keep you informed as arrangements progress. We also welcome any stories, memories, or messages you wish to share in his honour.
Please RSVP and contribute to his online Remembrance Wall here: https://www.online-tribute.com/GodfreyJohnGiles
Or contact us via
Email: lategjgiles@wvvoice.org
In addition, we would like to gently clarify that our family will be holding a private memorial on 11 November 2025. This is not to exclude anyone, but rather to allow us a personal moment to mourn and honour Godfrey in our own way. It is our sincere hope that the larger Celebration of Life in February will give everyone the opportunity—just as Godfrey would have wanted—to come together to remember him and his impact with dignity, gratitude and unity.
Thank you for your understanding, your support and for the love you have shown him.
With heartfelt appreciation,
The Giles Family.
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